Are there any other Non-Roman Catholics Who Sometimes Wish They Were Roman Catholic?

[nsper7]

Today, an amazing thing happened. A Roman Catholic Priest who runs a Catholic Student Center allowed me to receive Reconciliation of a Penitent. Although the Episcopal Church does this Sacrament, it is not very common and so I felt it would be easier to approach this Roman Catholic Priest (he is actually very friendly with the Episcopal Chapel House’s Chaplain), especially since the CSC is only a few blocks from my house.

Anyway, it was an amazing experience and the Priest was very nice and understanding and we discussed the possibility of me being allowed to take Eucharist at the Catholic Student Center when the Chapel House is closed during school holidays.

As I experience this whole thing and also after various discussion here on CAF, I came to the realization that I sometimes wish I could be Roman Catholic. After all, you guys have an amazing history, liturgy and you have the Pope. It is interesting that I use to be Anti-RC (mostly out of lack of knowledge and Protestant propaganda), but now I have an affinity, love and respect for the Roman Catholic Church.

Are there any other Non-Roman Catholics who feel this way?

 

[emeraldcoast]

What was his response to you possibly receiving Communion?

God Bless!

“If you ain’t a Gator, you’re Gator Bait!”

 

[TriuneUnity]

Are there any other Non-Roman Catholics who feel this way?

I, personally, do not. In any way, shape, or form. What you stated certainly is correct about its history, its liturgy, and its traditions. However, any exchange of knowing my Savior has died for me without anything on my part, and the knowing that all my sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake apart from my ability to keep the Law would far outweigh any benefit of liturgy. I have that liturgy in my own church so do not need it from Rome.

Given that, however, I pray daily for the reconciliation of Rome with the my own Lutheran communion. It cannot happen, though, unless Rome changes its doctrinal positions.

 

[nsper7]

What was his response to you possibly receiving Communion?

God Bless!

“If you ain’t a Gator, you’re Gator Bait!”

He said it is possible, but I have to meet five conditions:

1. Be a validly Baptized Christian
2. Have a similar view on the Eucharist (i.e. Real Presence)
3. Be in a state of grace (according to my own branch of Christianity at least…in other words, the state I would receive Communion in at the Episcopal church I attend is the same state I should be in at the Roman Catholic Church)
4. Adhere to local customs and forms for the reception of the Eucharist (i.e. maintain the proper fast, kneel/stand and receive on tongue/hand however is the standard at the church)
5. Not have access to an Episcopal Eucharist service and/or have some reason why I feel I must receive the Eucharist from the Roman Catholic Church (he said this is a matter of personal conscience…he says the Holy Spirit overrules Church Law as it were)

Admittedly, I believe this Priest is probably fairly ‘liberal’ and ecumenical (he and my Chaplain get along very well…in fact, she [my Chaplain] has recommended that I should attend a Catholic Mass at some point) and I have heard positive things about him from even a guy who was a Pentecostal-type Protestant.

EDIT: By matter of conscience on the actual taking of Communion, the issue is that there are other Episcopal Churches in my city but the closest Liturgical Church is that Roman Catholic Student Center/Church. The Episcopal Chapel House I attend is closed for the semester break. Also, in the long run, there is the issue that the Chapel House only offers Communion on Sunday and Wednesday, but the RC Student Center has Mass M-F and a Vigil on Saturday. So, there is the issue of could I say attend the Vigil or say a Non-Wednesday Mass since those are never offered by my Chapel.

 

[nsper7]

I, personally, do not. In any way, shape, or form. What you stated certainly is correct about its history, its liturgy, and its traditions. However, any exchange of knowing my Savior has died for me without anything on my part, and the knowing that all my sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake apart from my ability to keep the Law would far outweigh any benefit of liturgy. I have that liturgy in my own church so do not need it from Rome.

That is the main theological issue that keeps me from becoming Roman Catholic as well.

 

[emeraldcoast]

When you are done with school move to Ponte Vedra Beach and check out Christ Episcopal Church–fantastic church.

I am pretty much with TriuneUnity but “Missouri” is way to cold!

God Bless!

 

[ralwig88]

I, personally, do not. In any way, shape, or form. What you stated certainly is correct about its history, its liturgy, and its traditions. However, any exchange of knowing my Savior has died for me without anything on my part, and the knowing that all my sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake apart from my ability to keep the Law would far outweigh any benefit of liturgy. I have that liturgy in my own church so do not need it from Rome.

Given that, however, I pray daily for the reconciliation of Rome with the my own Lutheran communion. It cannot happen, though, unless Rome changes its doctrinal positions.

Hi!

I’m a Roman Catholic and found it fascinating to look into Lutheranism (from this poster) to see “what the difference is” between these Christian religions. I had a look on Wikipedia (I know, not exactly the final word on such things).

Is it my imagination or is it a case of semantics? My understanding is that Lutherans believe in being saves “by faith alone”, but that good works springs forth from this faith, which is a gift from God. As for Roman Catholics, I can understand that we seek both faith and works, but again, no RC could possibly imagine doing any amount of works that can justify us before God. I think the argument runs that if we have true faith (again, a gift from God), that good works will be seen in conjunction with that faith.

So my understanding is this [using an analogy]: Lutherans say that the only way you can barbecue is to use fire. The smoke is a side effect from the fire. Roman Catholics say you can only barbecue if you use fire and can see smoke. You can’t have a barbecue with just smoke - but the fire and smoke go hand-in-hand.

Anyway, I love being a RC and pray for ecumenism, but I actually pray more that those that don’t believe in God or Jesus Christ come to know Him and His love.

Cheers

 

[TriuneUnity]

Hi!

I’m a Roman Catholic and found it fascinating to look into Lutheranism (from this poster) to see “what the difference is” between these Christian religions. I had a look on Wikipedia (I know, not exactly the final word on such things).

Is it my imagination or is it a case of semantics? My understanding is that Lutherans believe in being saves “by faith alone”, but that good works springs forth from this faith, which is a gift from God. As for Roman Catholics, I can understand that we seek both faith and works, but again, no RC could possibly imagine doing any amount of works that can justify us before God. I think the argument runs that if we have true faith (again, a gift from God), that good works will be seen in conjunction with that faith.

That would be the basics, yeah. Actually, both Lutherans and Catholics say that our justification before God is due to the merits of Christ. Catholics, however, would say that the merits of the saints also give us grace. Sanctifying grace is also given through the sacraments, prayers, etc. This grace “progresses” in one’s life until a state of either perfect sanctity is achieved (no mortal sin). In which case the person is determined “just” at death and goes straight to heaven. If venial sin is present, it must be purged before the person is deemed just (through purgatory).

Lutherans say that it is the merits of Christ alone (Solus Christus) which is the grounds for our justification, without the merits of saints. We receive this merit passively through faith alone. Faith is not the cause our justification, only the instrument of receiving the grounds of our justification (Christ). Prayer, repentance, and good works are the fruit of our justification as Christ works in us to grow us in personal holiness (sanctification).

So my understanding is this [using an analogy]: Lutherans say that the only way you can barbecue is to use fire. The smoke is a side effect from the fire. Roman Catholics say you can only barbecue if you use fire and can see smoke. You can’t have a barbecue with just smoke - but the fire and smoke go hand-in-hand.

It’s a good working analogy. Fire causes smoke; they go hand in hand, but one creates the other; smoke is dependent on fire and doesn’t add anything to it.

I might have to steal that from you

Anyway, I love being a RC and pray for ecumenism, but I actually pray more that those that don’t believe in God or Jesus Christ come to know Him and His love.

Cheers

Awesome! As Christians, that should be our primary concern.

 

[waterbrook]

I often wish I could be a catholic, as I do believe very strongly in the Real Presence. However to become a catholic I would Have to state that I believe all that the catholic church teaches - which I do not. I know many catholics who do not hold some of the official teachings of the church and where as I feel at home amongst catholics, I would have to make a statement that many catholics would not have made.

 

[system]

It’s a good working analogy. Fire causes smoke; they go hand in hand, but one creates the other; smoke is dependent on fire and doesn’t add anything to it.

Actually, as regards the BBQ analogy…Smoke adds flavor to what you are ‘cooking.’ Especially when using Mesquite, Wood-chips, etc…